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Kevin served in Iraq where he, like to many others, was exposed to toxic fumes released by open air burn pits.  Also so like so many others, he suffers from chronic lung disease and other illnesses.  We see the same patterns emerging where veterans suffer service related illnesses due to burn pit exposure, yet receive no recognition from the VA.  Share this story with everyone you know and help spread the word! Merch https://www.teepublic.com/stores/american-heritage?ref_id=18043 Website www.patriotradionetwork.org --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/veteransadvocate/support

Andrew served in the US Army where he was stationed in Iraq.  During his time there he was exposed to many burn pits and suffers lasting effects from he exposure.  Like many veterans he suffers from a terminal lung disease which of which there is little hope for a cure or treatment.  The VA does nothing to help out veterans with this issue and does not even acknowledge a connection between burn pit exposure and lung disease.  Burn pits spew chemical, biological and heavy metal contaminates into the air which is then breathed 24/7 by anyone in the area.  A burn pit can contaminate many square miles with toxic particulate matter.  Our veterans live and work next to burn pits which run non-stop for years, and as a result are getting sick.  Burn pit exposure is our generations Agent Orange.  Help share the information far and wide so that we can stop the use of burn pits forever, and get the healthcare our troops deserve.  --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/veteransadvocate/support

Lauren is hands down the most passionate person I know when it comes to advocating for Veteran rights.  She routinely meets with Senators and Congressman about overhauling the VA and has written several pieces of legislation herself.  We talk about her experiences in the Navy and how she goes to bat for our troops against the VA.  Topics discussed are burn pits, radiation, disability backlogs at the VA, and many others.  --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/veteransadvocate/support

I'm back after a sabbatical.  I took some time off to restructure life and think about whats important, now I am back and ready to drop truth bombs.  This next season should be interesting as we talk about things that matter to veterans like burn pits and how the VA screws vets with their backlogs. Stay tuned.  --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/veteransadvocate/support

5RZu4rVsQj75ggmyPdAG John was an Air Force officer stationed on Johnston Island in from 1973-1975.  He tells about how agent orange stored on the island leaked into the sand and Ocean at a rate of over 25 barrels a week.  Over time, the agent orange saturated the sand, but more importantly contaminated the water around the island.  There were no wells on Johnston Island and all drinking water came from the ocean, which was run thru de-salination machines similar to what the Navy uses on boats.  The removes the salt from the water, but does not remove the chemical contaminates.  In fact, it might actually condense them.  in 1979 the USAF did a study on the island and found elevated levels of Dioxin, which is a compound in agent orange.  It was found both in the soil and in the drinking water.  For years, our troops drank this water, washed clothes, dishes, and took showers in it.  This could be one possible explanation for high rates of cancer found in our troops who served on Johnston Island.  John also talks about a bill in the house to potentially address this issue.  But the bill is still in committee and needs sponsors.  That bill is HR 1713. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/veteransadvocate/support

Doc was a combat medic in the Army where he served for over 20 years.  When he got out of the Army he felt a calling to continue helping veterans, so he started Alpine Remedy.  Alpine Remedy is located in Alaska and exists to aid veterans who physical and mental injuries by offering them a healthy does of nature.  Doc organizes hikes, outfits the troops, and takes the clients on awesome trips in Alaska.  Be sure to visit https://www.remedyalpine.org --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/veteransadvocate/support

Richard is an Army veteran with quite a story to tell.  He was active duty for several years and during that time he was also on drugs.  He regularly took acid and was drinking very heavily.  When he got into a jam, he knew he needed to get clean.  Richard joined AA to help him get straight, but he didn't just go once a week, he went every day for months straight.  He really turned his life around and has a compelling story about making a comeback.  He goes by the comeback coach and lives up to his name! Search @comebackcoach to find him on social media. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/veteransadvocate/support

Ron Parsons spent a few years on Johnston Island.  If you recall previous episodes, J.I. is one of the most conatminated places on earth.  The US military launched nuclear missiles from the island in atmospheric tests such as project fishbowl and starfish prime.  Three of these missiles failed and contaminated the island with weapons grade plutonium.  If that wasn't bad enough, the military stored ALL the agent orange created during the Vietnam war on a beach on JI.  These often leaked and soaked into the sand.  Thousands of veterans have served on the island, and many have come down with cancer.  The VA refuses to recognize any connection between service on the island and cancer diagnosis.  Please help spread the message of this issue by sharing this show. You can watch the video of this interview here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxxhRXWcadE&t=12s Join the private facebook group here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/737538166758758/ If you need one on one coaching in transition check out the website here:  www.veteransmentorship.com --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/veteransadvocate/support

If you recall I did an episode on Johnston Island a while back.  Its a small Island in the Pacific where the U.S. Military tested nuclear missiles in the 50s-70s.  Several of these missiles exploded leaving the island contaminated with plutonium.  If that were not bad enough, millions of gallons of agent orange were stored on the island before it was all incinerated.  My guest today served on Johnston Island and tells us how the island itself is dangerous due to the failed handling of dangerous materials, and how many veterans are coming down with cancer after serving on Johnston Island.  The government is currently not recognizing the issues and denying any link between service on Johnston Island and cancer diagnosis among veterans.  We hope to change that, and you can help by spreading the word. Be sure to visit the website at www.veteransmentorship.com  --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/veteransadvocate/support

Shawn has a powerful story.  She served in the military and was injured in the line of duty.  She has struggled with mental illness and homelessness.  Thru the help of passageways she has been given a hand up and is now looking for ways to pay it forward.  Please consider donating to passageways by visiting www.passagewaysltd.org Be sure to check out the new website for the Veterans Advocate by visiting www.veteransmentorship.com @theveteransadvocate Facebook and Instagram --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/veteransadvocate/support

Ryan had some great advice to give us in regards to takin on big challenges.  He said if a dog is physically capable of doing it, he can train the dog to do it.  That applies well to us also.  If you are physically capable of something you can train yourself to do it.  Break down the large goal into many small goals.  Take the first steps towards that goal and build on your success.  Then set slightly larger goals and keep going!  With time and dedication you can achieve great things. www.veteransmentorship.com @theveteransadvocate Facebook and Instagram --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/veteransadvocate/support

Ryan Matthews has trained thousands of dogs of all kinds.  He can train a dog to do literally anything that a dog is physically capable of.  He started training dogs in the Army and took his knowledge to the big leagues after he transitioned out.  He has a ton of advice about picking the right dog for you, and how to get started on dog training.  Ryan is a wealth of knowledge about dogs and entrepreneurship be sure to check him out at www.iamryanmatthews.com  If you are a Veteran looking to make the leap from the military to the civilian world and need some guidance, check out my transition mentorship page at www.veteransmentorship.com --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/veteransadvocate/support

You may have seen some major changes regarding the show.  I am happy to announce the next evolution of the show and introduce THE VETERANS ADVOCATE.  This is a change I am pumped about because it will help me complete my mission of helping Veterans.  I am doubling down on the interviews and narrowing my focus.  This show will specifically tackle the issue of Military transition.  I want to be THE best show out on there on the subject.   Also I want to announce my new website www.veteransmentorship.com From there I will be offering several couching services.  If you are a Veteran separating from the Military soon, or have been out for a year or two and are stuck, I can help.  I have learned a lot from my own experiences and my conversations with other Veterans and I would like to help.  So if you need help with resumes, advice on transitioning, or some help navigating the civilian workforce, give me a call.  If you have gone thru the transition assistance program on base, and felt it wasn't enough, just know there is another resource for you in the form of one on one coaching.  Just visit the website to find out more. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/veteransadvocate/support

Kia Baker hosts the Female Veterans Podcast.  She is a Navy Veteran with a passion for helping her fellow female Veterans finding a place to share their stories.  We discuss her work with some of those women who have experienced Military Sexual Trauma.  I ask a ton of questions about MST and what its like to be a female Veteran.  Kia has loads of statistics and personal stories from the women who have confided in her.  Kia and I also discuss her close call with homelessness and how we can team up to fight homelessness together.   Visit Kia on instagram @thefemaleveteranspodcast and you can check out her show on Itunes by searching for The Female Veterans Podcast. Be sure to visit www.americanheritagepodcast.com to check out the most recent episodes, videos, and AHP gear. As always be sure to help the homeless veterans by visiting www.passagewaysltd.org and donating! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/veteransadvocate/support

This show is a little different that my usual episodes.  I talk about military suicide in general and Air Force suicide specifically.  This show may be offensive to some that are in the Air Force now, and don't see things my way.  That's ok, hopefully we are still friends.  But we can all agree that the AF has a SERIOUS problem right now and something has to be done.  In this episode I give my opinions as to the root cause of the suicide epidemic that has taken hold with the ranks.  Truth is, the culture within the AF is crap! I break down the problem, and give some solutions as well.  This show is raw and unedited because this is something I am passionate about, and I needed to get it out asap.   www.americanheritagepodcast.com --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/veteransadvocate/support

Kurt was in the Army when get got out he went back to his roots and started woodworking.  He grew up in a family of woodworkers and turned took the skills instilled in him by his father and grandfather into Ballash Woodworks.  He makes high quality furniture and household goods as well as teaches others how to do wood working.  Kurt has a passion for the trades and we discuss why now is the perfect time to ditch college and get into the various trades available.  Check out his work at https://www.ballashwoodworks.com/about and facebook https://www.facebook.com/BallashWoodworks/ Be sure to check out the AHP website at www.americanheritagepodcast.com to shop the AHP merchandise and watch the video of Kurt and I --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/veteransadvocate/support

Daryl is a military Veteran and leader of Southern California Veteran Coalition.  At first the group started with a few friends hanging out having a good time, and then became a movement of veterans healing thru socialization and education.  Check out the coalition on instagram @socalveteranscoalition wwww.americanheritagepodcast.com --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/veteransadvocate/support

. I sit down with Renee, a formerly homeless female veteran. She served in the army for eight years where she experienced a TBI from my fall off of a 2 1/2 ton truck. She also experienced some military sexual trauma and sexual harassment. These two issues that led to her having lifelong struggles with both mental and physical health. She discusses the lack of options available to single women for assistance. Homeless this is a problem for veterans and it’s becoming an increasingly large problem for female veterans. Females are the fastest growing demographic of homelessness in America. Passageways is expanding its operation to better serve veterans. Eventually via the Passageways HOMEFRONT project, there will be many different styles of housing available to help people transition from homelessness back into independent living. Go support Passageways in their effort to fight veteran homelessness at www.passagewaysltd.org --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/veteransadvocate/support

This is part 2 of a series highlighting the stories of homeless veterans.  Michael is my guest and he tells us about his service, how he became homeless, and how passageways helped him get back on track.  Be sure to visit www.passagewaysltd.org/donate to help more veterans like Michael. To see the video of Michael, visit www.americanheritagepodcast.com and click the youtube tab --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/veteransadvocate/support

This is the first of a several part series featuring formerly homeless veterans. I sit down with Tony to discuss how the became homeless, what it was like to be a homeless veteran, how he found Passageways, and how Passageways helped him get a fresh start at life. Since graduating the homeless veteran program at Passageways, Tony has found a great job within the aerospace industry and will be going back to school to become an engineer. Passageways has helped over 80 homeless veterans get a second chance at life and will soon launch phase two of their operation. Visit their website at www.passagewaysltd.org to donate to the cause. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/veteransadvocate/support